NDJAMENA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - Chad continue relishing the opportunity of playing against Africa's best teams and therefore, a chance of qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China.

Although one of the lowest ranked teams among the African Qualifiers contenders, Chadians aren't looking at the numbers, they are focused on their own dreams of transforming basketball in the country.

WHEN YOU TALK WITH CHADIAN PEOPLE, YOU IMMEDIATELY NOTICE THE PRIDE TO DEFEND OUR LAND. WE ARE ALWAYS PROUD OF OUR FLAG AND IT WILL ALWAYS BE A PLEASURE TO REPRESENT OUR COUNTRY.AS LONG AS MY DAY JOB ALLOWS ME, I WILL ALWAYS BE READY TO PLAY FOR MY COUNTRY." - Noubaramadji

Time and time again, Chad tried to qualify for FIBA AfroBasket 2017, which determined the 16 Africans teams currently fighting for five tickets available for Africa for next year's 32-team World Cup, but for some reason, they failed.

Despite their two wins against Gabon, Chad missed out direct qualifying for last year's FIBA Africa's prime basketball following two defeats to Cameroon in Zone 4 of the regional qualifiers.

Then, came the three-team playoff consisting of Chad, Zimbabwe and the Central African Republic to find the replacement of the Republic of Congo for FIBA AfroBasket 2017. Yet, The Central African Republic came up stronger, advancing to the Finals thanks to a 2-0 mark.

Meanwhile, when they least expected it, Chad got a call from FIBA Africa to replace South Africa who had just pulled out the World Cup African Qualifiers, and they grabbed the opportunity with open arms.

So much so that, in just two weeks, Chad put together a team, planned a training camp, and traveled to Cameroon to compete against Group A opposition Tunisia, Guinea, and the host nation. 

What's next for Chad? 

Chad point guard Asnal Noubaramadji share their story with FIBA.basketball.

Asnal Noubaramadji

"They gave us a second chance one week from the start of the African Qualifiers, and we got ready," he said. 

"[Competing in the African Qualifiers] is highly significant for our basketball. Now people start caring about us. Our opponents now play hard against us. We gained respect from big basketball countries like Tunisia and Cameroon. Chad is coming. Get ready, folks."  

Chad not only beat Guinea but they almost upset Cameroon.

"For sure, as competitors, we need more than one victory, but for now, we are okay with the result we achieved. When we step out on the court, it's always with a winning mentality."

And although Chad have scored 40 points against Tunisia, the least among all African teams during the first set of qualifying games for the World Cup, they grabbed 55 rebounds against Cameroon, which is the best rebounding performance by any team in the African Qualifiers so far.

An accountant by day, and basketball player for local side Warriors by night, the 6ft (1.83m) guard admits that must improve aspects of their game.

"We need more means, more visibility and we need also more FIBA basketball programmes in order to help our young players to develop their basketball skills," the 6ft (1.83m) guard offered.

Nevertheless, one thing Chadians love, Noubaramadji reveals, is their identity.

"When you talk with Chadian people, you immediately notice the pride to defend our land. We are always proud of our flag and it will be always a pleasure to represent our country. As long as my day job allows me to, I will always be ready to represent my country.

"Our main goal is to put Chad's name as high as possible and give our young players opportunities."

Asked to describe the type of team they are, he said: "We have a young group of players who have grown up together, and, we were able to show what we are capable of doing on the basketball court."

A point guard with an impressive vision, Noubaramadji, who first featured for his country at FIBA AfroBasket 2011, has set an African Qualifiers-high 12 assists in a single game. 

"I love playing for my teammates. I am one of the leaders in this team, and I will always make sure to get the guys involved. I trust them, so I will keep passing the ball so they can score," he pointed out.

In order to secure a place in the 12-team second-round, Chad will need to finish in the first three places of Group A.

"That's our goal," Noubaramadji concluded.

FIBA